Meet the Cook Your Heart Out Contest Finalists

A healthy diet is one of the best weapons in the fight against cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. That's why we've launched "Cook Your Heart Out," America's first heart-healthy cooking competition. Meet our 2012 contest finalists

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Why heart-healthy cooking is important to her: "One of the main reasons heart-healthy cooking is so important to me is my family! Incorporating a healthy active lifestyle into our daily life will help us develop habits they will carry on with us always. I strive to show my four children that heart-healthy cooking can taste good and can include the flavors we enjoy, such as these Asian-inspired Pacific Rim Chicken and Rice Bowls. It teaches how to think about things in new ways, eat delicious food, and to get creative while still maintaining good food choices."

Why heart-healthy cooking is important to her: Heart-healthy cooking is all about fresh, wholesome ingredients. When you eat right for your heart, you are eating right for your entire body. Lean meats, fresh vegetables (especially greens), and heart healthy oils are the center of our family's diet. It's important to me to show my children now how they can eat to stay healthy.

Why heart-healthy cooking is important to her: "Mama always said, 'The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.' Well, Mama was right! Who would have thought that making dinner for my sweetheart on our first date would change my life? That first date turned into many more, and a few months later, we married."

"And mama's sage words are still on target! It is certainly true that the way to a person's heart and health, is through the stomach that is, what we eat everyday impacts our heart's health. Preparing meals for my family isn't just about sharing my love through cooking, but also about cooking meals that are good and good for them, meals that promote a healthy heart."

Why heart-healthy cooking is important to her: "A year ago, I received the call from my mom that I had been dreading for a decade: my dad had a heart attack. Thanks to his incredible heart team, he survived, and after 6 months of cardiac rehab, he's in better shape than he has been in years. I want to do everything I can to support his new habits and lifestyle, which means cooking heart-healthy dishes whenever we are together. Celebrating with rich food seems ridiculous now; celebrating life means cooking delicious food lower in saturated fat and salt but bursting with fruits, vegetables, beneficial fats, and bright flavors."

Why heart-healthy cooking is important to her: "Heart-healthy cooking is important to me as it is one of the most important (and doable) steps in preventing heart disease. For me, heart-healthy cooking starts at the market. I now shop the perimeter of my grocery stores; loading up on fresh/seasonal produce, lean meats, low fat dairy, and avoiding the aisles filled with processed foods and sugary treats. This one change has added up to a 30-pound weight loss (and a lot more energy) in one year. While I am not at my goal weight yet, I now know it is attainable. It is amazing how one lifestyle change provides the catalyst for others."

Why heart-healthy cooking is important to her: "My Dad had a heart attack when he was 59. I watched as he switched to a healthier diet and not only survived but thrived for what has now been 34 years. I was amazed at the difference a healthier lifestyle could make, and became interested in cooking dishes that are heart-healthy as well as delicious."

Why heart-healthy cooking is important to her: "We know that eating has the greatest effect on our health. Our family is our most important asset and heart-healthy cooking increases our life span. It also improves our moods and enhances our alertness. We know, too, that heart-healthy cooking should be a constant lifestyle — therefore, just remembering moderation in everything we eat and do will help us realize our healthy goal."

Why heart-healthy cooking is important to her: "'You are on the verge of having a stroke!' My husband's doctor made this statement to him in April of 2010. If that doesn't open your eyes, nothing short of an actual stroke of heart attack will. We decided we had no choice other than begin a heart-healthy eating plan. Both of our fathers died from massive heart attacks. Both were less than a decade older than we are now. We have not yet had the follow-up blood screenings, but both of us have lost weight, both of us have healthy blood pressure readings, and we are optimistic that our new way of cooking and eating will reward us with improved blood cholesterol levels and a healthier outlook for the future."

Why heart-healthy cooking is important to her: "Heart-healthy foods have always been a part of my diet but since retirement, I have been dedicated to finding more choices. I live in northern Wisconsin and I am active in many out-of-door activities that require energy, including a daily 3-mile walk. I also train twice a week in mixed martial arts to stay fit."

Why heart-healthy cooking is important to her: "Heart-healthy cooking is important to me because my husband & I are both retired and not so 'young and foolish' anymore to think that we can eat just about anything & it won't affect us — that it's just for other people. We are both in good health and constantly watch what we eat. We both exercise (my husband is a 7th degree black belt in Korean karate). But mainly we want to eat heart-healthy, not for selfish reasons, but for each other and our two sons and their families (including five grandchildren). We don't want them (or each other) to have to worry if we can help it."

Why heart-healthy cooking is important to her: "A healthy body and heart is a gift, but not one that can be taken for granted. While the body's ability to heal itself is awe-inspiring, everyone needs to do his/her part through healthier eating habits, exercise programs, weight control and moderation in all things. Fortunately, eating healthy can be incredibly delicious and a fun personal challenge — and the benefits are priceless!"